LAUSR

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to assess postoperative morbidity and mortality in tumors with a proximal margin 15 cm or more from the anal verge operated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). METHODS This observational study of consecutive rectal tumor patients undergoing TEM was carried out from July 2004 to June 2017. We compared the results of rectal tumors at distances of ≥15 cm (group A) and <15 cm (group B) from the anal verge. RESULTS During the study period 667 patients were included: 118 in group A and 549 in group B. In the comparative analysis there were no significant differences in morbidity (p = 0.23), mortality (p = 0.32) or free margin involvement (p = 0.545). Differences were observed in terms of lesion size (p < 0.001), surgical time (p < 0.001) and peritoneal cavity perforation, which were all increased in group A. CONCLUSION TEM for lesions in the rectosigmoid junction is feasible and is not associated with higher morbidity or mortality.